Tesoro Hawaii hands out layoff notices

Tesoro
Corp. says it has issued a number layoff notices to its workers as efforts to
sell its Kapolei refinery have dragged on. The company would not say exactly
how many employees received a pink slip today.

"My office has been in constant communication with the Tesoro companies and is working with the relevant state agencies to ensure that unemployment assistance, job placement and other help be provided to the workers that may be laid off," said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, who confirmed the notices.

"As Tesoro continues talks with potential buyers, my
office remains committed to looking for ways to help mitigate the impact of its
closure and assist those workers who may lose their jobs," said U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa .

Sources say that San Antonio-based Tesoro is still trying to the sell the refinery but issued the notice due to the length of the efforts and costs.